Interactive industrial model at 1:250 scale

When the guys at DHL (UK) spotted we’d made models for both UK Mail and Hermes they knew we were the right company to supply a high quality model of their brand new southern depot at Poyle, near Windsor. Like the UK Mail and Hermes models, this needed to be a “roof-off” view of the building showing the huge investment in sophisticated sorting machinery within the new depot. DHL actually went a step further and asked us to make the model interactive so that ten specific areas of the machinery could be illuminated individually at the touch of a button (you can see the buttons in the main pic above). The most difficult part of this project was deciphering the CAD info for the machinery and then modelling the complex industrial components to a slightly simplified but recognisable level. We then had to work out how to build in the LEDs so that only the relevant areas lit up. All in all, it was a very technically demanding brief but DHL were very clear what they wanted and we delivered!

Stylised  internal view of manufacturing plant.

The brief for this project was to create an eye catching but very stylized representation of this proposed factory layout. The client didn’t want too much detail because many of the manufacturing processes were confidential. At approximately 1.2m x 1m and 700mm high, this was a large, technically challenging model that needed to be strong enough to withstand frequent shipping to trade shows and exhibitions across Europe. We added strength by building in steel reinforcement for all the major components which were then fixed through to the underside of the structural base. We also supplied a Perspex cover and sturdy white plinth that could be “flat-packed” under the model in a purpose-built, high quality flight case.

Cut-away view of turbines and sluice gates

Designed and constructed within two weeks for a presentation at the House of Commons, the main problem we had with this model wasn’t the tight deadline but how best to show an underwater view of the power generating turbines at the heart of this renewable energy project. We also had to illustrate different water levels on the inside and seaward side of the lagoon structure. Our solution was to create the water as a thin clear layer with a sprayed on rippled, surface finish and then cut out large viewing “windows” on either side of the turbine structure. This allowed clear low angle views through the turbines as can be seen from the inset pic above.

1:20 scale sectional model of commercial building.

This is the third educational model we’ve made for the University of South Wales. As with the previous two projects in our Latest Projects section this is another example of a satisfied customer coming back to us with a new order. Aimed at students in the construction sector, the purpose of this model was to illustrate the major elements that make up a typical commercial office building, including foundations, steel work, cladding components and final external finishes. As you can see from the images this was a very technically complex project but the client knew from previous models we’d produced for him that we had the skill and understanding to deliver an extremely accurate, perfectly detailed demonstration model.

Second Industrial Model for ChickMaster UK.

As with the previous model featured in our Latest Projects section this is another example where a company has come back to us for a second model after being really pleased with the first project we completed for them. This is also a similar type of industrial model but it’s at a smaller scale (1:20 rather than 1:8) and you’ll notice that the detail is slightly more simplified. This looks ok at the smaller scale and was sufficient for the client’s requirements; he didn’t need to show every nut and bolt (although we could have done if he’d needed it).

Life size model of UK satellite

We’ve made several models of satellites over the last few years including the Gaia Spacecraft and UKube Satellite (Recent Projects June 2013 and March 2013 respectively) and, as often happens, this model was commissioned due to a referral from one of the previous clients. These models are mostly used for educational or promotional purposes in the UK but this particular example had to be shipped directly to Mexico for a major presentation. With this in mind we made the model with a detachable stand, push-fit aerials, and fold up solar panels so that the whole thing could flat-pack for shipping.

Two more industrial models – Sub-sea control module & Ukube Satellite.

Not all the models we make are scaled down to a smaller size. These two industrial models are both life-size replicas of the real thing. The subsea control module is about 900mm square and was commissioned because the client wanted a lightweight version of the product to take to exhibition venues. The real unit was extremely heavy and difficult to transport whereas our lookalike version, made from thin plastics, could be easily lifted by two men. The Ukube satellite model, made for the UK Space agency, was unusual in that the original satellite was only about 350mm long so there was no need to scale it down. We’ve actually made four of these satellite models with possibly more to follow. They’re used for educational presentations and were made with working hinges so that the solar panels and antennae could be deployed in the same way as the real thing.

Life-size Display models for grass protection system.

We’re proud to say that much of our business is from repeat customers and this is one such example. We made a display model for the client last year and they were so pleased with it they came back to us for two more. The company produces grass stabilisation and reinforcement systems and needed some 3D mock ups of how these systems worked to take to trade shows and exhibitions. The first one proved so useful they were delighted to order these new models for use at this year’s shows. All the models were designed to break down for easy transportation.